Some of the best pool players in Canada are in Dartmouth this week for the 2023 Canadian Amateur Championships.

It is the first time a billiards tournament of this level has been held in eastern Canada with more than 200 men and women’s players competing.

The eight and nine ball tournaments begin on Tuesday at Dooly’s on Portland Street.

Director of Operations Tracey Goodyear says they bid against other locations across Canada to host the event including spots in Ontario and Alberta.

”A lot of work went into putting the bid together, central Ontario is a hotbed for billiards, so we were up against some very strong competition.” Goodyear explains. “I believe by winning this bid, it will help us host future events and put billiards on the map in Nova Scotia.”

She explains those competing have spent countless hours refining their shots and working the table.

“These are not your casual players that go out every once in a while to shoot pool. They’ve literally dedicated thousands of hours to their game.”

It’s a race to seven wins for both eight and nine ball matches. Big cash prizes are on the line for the top players who make it through to the end of the bracket as competition will stretch into the weekend.

”It’s going to be a really great event and a milestone for the Dooly’s brand to host this kind of event in Nova Scotia.” said Goodyear.

Spectators can watch in person or there will be a live stream at Brian’s Cuesport